SR 516: Georgia's Working Women; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a formal statement from the Georgia Senate honoring working women for their contributions to families and the state economy. The text cites statistics on women's role as breadwinners, the low-wage workforce, healthcare access, and unpaid family leave, and argues that policies like paid leave, affordable childcare, and workplace protections could benefit Georgia families and the economy. The resolution's operative language simply states that Senate members support future legislation that would provide economic support and security for women, their families, and the Georgia economy. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press. It creates no new programs, funding, or legal requirements.

• Formally recognizes and commends Georgia's working women for contributions to families and the state economy.
• States that Senate members support future legislation providing economic support and security for women and families, without creating any such law itself.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Cites statistics on women's workforce participation, wages, healthcare access, and family leave as background but does not enact policy changes.

The resolution speaks broadly about working women in Georgia, especially low-wage and essential workers, mothers, and pregnant employees. It also references Georgia families, employers, and the state's healthcare and childcare systems, though it creates no binding obligations for any of them.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia law, it does not change anyone's rights, benefits, or obligations. Its practical effect is to place the Senate on record supporting future policies like paid leave and affordable childcare, which could shape debate on later legislation.

• The resolution's whereas clauses cite data on women as primary or co-breadwinners in over half of Georgia households with children and 65 percent of the low-wage essential workforce.
• It references research suggesting policies such as salary transparency, paid sick leave, and affordable childcare could add up to $4.4 billion to the Georgia economy.
• It notes Georgia has the third highest uninsured rate in the country and that 60 percent of Georgians cannot access unpaid Family Medical Leave Act protections.
• The resolved clause states Senate support for legislation providing economic support and security to women, families, and the Georgia economy.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-04-02Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-31Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nabilah Parkes (D, SD-7)Primary sponsor
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-34)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-43)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-55)
• Michael 'Doc' Rhett (D, SD-33)
• Donzella James (D, SD-28)
• Freddie Powell Sims (D, SD-12)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-5)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-15)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-14)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-36)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-17)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-40)
• Harold Jones II (D, SD-22)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-44)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-41)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-9)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-10)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-2)
• David Lucas (D, SD-26)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)

• working women
• paid leave
• childcare
• women's economic security
• Georgia workforce